By: Juliet Constantine
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. (Romans 12:14-16)
Steven J. Cole told the story of a young girl who put self aside and showed kindness. There was a family named Parsons who preached and practiced forgiveness. One day at school some mean third graders put pencil shavings into their daughter’s sandwich. The little girl did not retaliate. Instead, on the following day, without any sign of repentance from these mean classmates, she brought everyone in her class a beautiful, large, hand-decorated cookie which says “Jesus loves you”. Her classmates remembered this act of kindness for the rest of their lives! (Lesson 86 Transformed Attitudes).
The command to “bless and curse not” is so contrary to our nature. To practically obey any and all commands in these verses, one would have to be totally emptied of self and be possessed by a supernatural power beyond our human frailties. It is second nature for us to retaliate, to get even, to exalt ourselves. Yet, these instructions, first seen in Matthew 5:44 and repeated to us here, must be of utmost importance in our relationship to each other and our Father. We cannot enjoy a close relationship with God unless we strive to be at peace with each other. Having transformed lives must be evident not only in what we say but also in what we do.
I believe every parent is unhappy with sibling rivalry. We try to teach right attitudes and behaviors to our kids. We want them to live in harmony with each other – in and outside of the home. Our Heavenly Father is trying to do the same, hence His instructions. He wants us to live in peace and harmony – even in the midst of persecution which also comes from among us. If we can grasp the concept to let God instead of self, to hold our peace and don’t fight back, and turn all vengeance over to our Father, we would do well. With self out of the way, our attitudes will be changed. We can now be truly happy for others in-spite-of; we can genuinely empathize without a word being spoken; and our humility will be evident.
Have you been ostracized, been treated unfairly, ridiculed, or suffered discrimination because of your belief in God and the teachings of the Bible? Don’t fight back. See the devil as the instigator at work through them. Find other ways to defend yourself, if you need to, but do pray for them. Genuinely ask God to change and save your persecutor(s). Whatever you do, whatever circumstances you’re faced with, let self be quiet and let God work through you to bless others.
Our Father and our God, You are Father of all. Thanks for the reminder that we are to live in peace and harmony with each other to enjoy fully harmony with You. As our lives are being transformed, please change our attitudes too and make our lives as blessing to others we pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)
